'LIV Golf' with Poor Box Office Performance... 'What Is the Problem?'

PGA Tour and Viewership Households 10 Times Apart
Same Player 'Cut Off' Abolished for 1 Year
No New Faces, Players' 'Money Festival' Deteriorates

Money is not everything.

This is about LIV Golf, which launched in June 2022. Despite pouring in massive amounts of Saudi Arabian oil capital, it has not achieved the expected results. Recently, they signed Jon Rahm (Spain), ranked third in the world, for a huge sum, but it has been quiet so far. LIV Golf has become flashy on the surface due to 'oil money.' Every tournament feels like a festival. The problem is that it is a party only for the affiliated players and LIV Golf officials.

LIV Golf, launched in June 2022, is struggling to gain popularity. Jon Rahm (left) and Joaquin Niemann are shaking hands after completing the final round of the opening Mayakoba tournament.

LIV Golf significantly lags behind the PGA Tour in TV ratings. The final round of the Mayakoba tournament, the opening event of the LIV Golf 2024 season that ended on the 4th, had only 432,000 households watching. Considering that the PGA Tour AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am final round scheduled for the same day was canceled due to bad weather, this is quite disappointing. On the day of the LIV Golf Mayakoba second round, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am third round had 1,951,000 households watching?ten times more than LIV Golf.

The LIV Golf opening event had many favorable factors. Rahm made his debut and competed for the win. Also, Joaqu?n Niemann (Chile) shot a 'dream 59' on the first day. Despite receiving a two-stroke penalty for a slow play in the second round, he won after a thrilling playoff in the final round. There was plenty to watch, but it did not translate into ratings.

Why is LIV Golf struggling to attract viewers? The problem lies in the format. While the PGA Tour determines the winner over 72 holes played across four days, LIV Golf plays 54 holes over three days. There is no 'cut.' This inevitably reduces tension. LIV Golf fields 54 players in each tournament. The same faces compete repeatedly, essentially 'playing for money.' Since the members do not change throughout the year, there is a weakness in that new drama protagonists do not emerge.

Golf tournaments generally start at the 1st and 9th holes, but LIV Golf begins rounds at various holes. This is to ensure all players finish playing around the same time. While the intention is understandable, it inevitably reduces concentration. Additionally, team competitions are awarded separately. This structure can confuse golf viewers.

There are also limitations as a new tour. Golf has a long history. Every year, wins accumulate, producing various records. Examples include the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA)'s record number of wins and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), ranked second in the world, pursuing a 'career Grand Slam.' However, LIV Golf has yet to firmly establish its roots. There are only rumors about huge scout money, but no interesting golf stories.

LIV Golf lacks continuity. There are 12 tournaments held over a year. After the second event of the season, the Las Vegas tournament, ended on the 10th, there is a three-week 'vacation.' This inevitably distances golf fans' interest. The PGA Tour is held every week. There are 36 regular tournaments alone. Additionally, there are three FedEx Cup Playoff (PO) tournaments. After the PO ends, a fall series of 10 tournaments, including seven regular tour events, follows. The PGA Tour receives attention throughout the year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.